A hat trick of injuries took the shine off a dramatic 3-2 victory for Newcastle on Saturday.
Fabian Schar and Javi Manquillo look like they’ll be out long-term, but Callum Wilson’s absence could have the biggest impact.
Our top scorer limped off in the 36th minute with a hamstring issue.
Steve Bruce had three strikers on the bench to choose from, but opted for record signing Joelinton.
The Brazilian has barely featured since Bruce claimed the gloves were off, but he got the nod over Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle.
With Newcastle trying to press higher up the pitch, it’s no surprise that Carroll wasn’t selected.
However, Gayle’s snub could be damning for the rest of his Newcastle career.
His contract expires this summer, and it seems unlikely that he’ll get a new deal.
Gayle has had limited chances to impress this season, which was hindered by injury early on.
His only contribution was the headed winner against West Brom in December.
Meanwhile, Joelinton has had his fair share of opportunities, but his second season at Newcastle is going about as well as his first.
Is Dwight Gayle’s Newcastle career coming to an end?
When Wilson plays, we have a presence up top. He’s savvy. He frustrates defenders. He’s a threat.
Gayle can operate in a similar way, although not at the same level – otherwise we wouldn’t have had to spend £20million on Wilson.
As for Joelinton, he doesn’t have a striker’s instinct. He’s looked better alongside a partner, but he didn’t really have one on Saturday.
Joelinton has proven how much he struggles leading the line on his own, yet Bruce selected him yet again on Saturday.
It looks like the writing could be on the wall for Gayle, and it could be curtains if Joelinton gets the nod ahead of him next week at Chelsea.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
